World Cup village in Brasschaat offers power naps before late-night match

Supporters of the Belgian national football team can take a power nap before the late-night match against the United States in Brasschaat's World Cup village. Organizer Dieter van Daele is providing a sleep zone with over 20 beds because the game starts at 2 a.m.

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I think many people will encounter the gnome with the hammer at 1 a.m., or even at midnight.

Van Daele decided to broadcast the late-night match after many fans asked if it was possible. "I think many people will encounter the gnome with the hammer at 1 a.m., or even at midnight," he said. "We also received requests from people asking if there were places to rest before the match." This led to the idea for the Powernap Zone.

The sleep zone will be set up under a tent on the military domain grounds, separate from the large screen. Visitors will find a bed with a mattress, duvet, and pillow. Van Daele is also providing toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorant to help people freshen up before the game. Reservations are not necessary, and the beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The organizer has already received messages from people asking if they can stay after the match to go directly to work, but this is not permitted; the sleep zone is only for use before the game begins.

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So we came up with that idea.

During the previous matches, an average of 400 to 500 football fans attended. During the halftime of the Belgian match, all attendees will receive a free breakfast with coffee and pastries. Earlier in the evening, at 9 p.m., the Spain-Portugal match will also be shown on the big screen. The event is located on the outskirts of Brasschaat, near the military domain. The municipality has imposed conditions: music must not exceed 85 decibels, and the event will end immediately after the match. Van Daele expects a few hundred visitors.

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So people can freshen up a bit to watch the match fresh and alert.